The key to this game was...

[braytonra]

Tubby got out coached. The half court (not trap), but slow up their tempo, and then backed up to a matchup 2-3 zone confused the hell out of Minnny. The had no offense for that. It's been a long time since we've defended the 3 like this. Our guys stepped up again, but I credit Fran for this win.

 

[HawkI4eva]

Agreed, coaches made the necessary adjustment to go the 2-3 and the necessary assessment to stay in the 2-3. That was the KEY! Not to mention an all around great effort. You can pick something from everyone out there as far as making a contribution.

 

[RADMAN]

The difference in this game was the leadership of Matt Gatens. Not taking away from a great coaching effort from Fran but Gatens was nails.

Where are all the naysayers throwing crap at Fran? You had better embrace this guy because he is the next great NCAA coach.

 

[braytonra]

Great point Radman. I am really happy for Matt.

 

[hawkIhoops]

For the first time in a longtime, somebody stepped up to stop a drougt. The game hung in the balance the last part of the first half and could have easily gotten to 15+ if the team wilted. Gatens was an iron man, playing 36 minutes and playing his tail off at both ends. Certainly can't overloook the job McCabe did on Sampson and his 3's and tougness. Archie played nice D and had a big steal to end the first half.

The key was a team effort. With nothing from Basabe, the team pulled together and dug deep. Clutch shots by May as well....he is playing with much more confidence.